Abu Dhabi, Jan 7, 2013 - (ACN Newswire) - Groundwater in the United Arab Emirates is largely a non-renewable resource, making its protection and conservation a vital undertaking. The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) will be participating at the International Water Summit in January to raise awareness about its conservation efforts and regulatory role when it comes to conserving this precious resource and to discuss potential cooperation opportunities with key global players to address this issue.

EAD's regulatory role in permitting and controlling the drilling of wells has contributed enormously to the conservation of the Emirate's groundwater, and its endorsement of the International Water Summit (IWS) which will take place in Abu Dhabi from 15 - 17 January 2013, confirms its commitment to promoting the role the UAE is playing in addressing this crucial issue.

The keynote speech by H.E. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, EAD Secretary General, on January 16, 2013 of the inaugural International Water Summit, will set the tone for action on water scarcity in arid regions, and provide inspiration for the government delegations, policymakers, scientists and business leaders attending this global event.

The speech by H.E. Al Mubarak marks the start of a major contribution by EAD to heavily promote the water sustainability message. EAD's stand at the IWS Exhibition will feature exciting elements such as:

- an on-site programme featuring presentations by EAD experts on the status of groundwater - a downloading station where people can download strategies and documents related to water resources- a 'UAE Native Plants' wall promoting the UAE's salt-tolerant flora

A prominent feature of its stand will be a 'Groundwater through the Years' timeline which will take visitors on a journey to see how Abu Dhabi has worked to preserve its groundwater over the years and the exciting initiatives that lie ahead.

Also, a Solar Desalination Unit model will be on display in the Rural Community section of the Sustainable Solutions Village.

Dr. Mohamed Yousef Al Madfaei, EAD's Executive Director, Integrated Environment Policy and Planning Sector said: "The greatest challenge we are facing when it comes to water supply is the nature of the UAE's climate, which is known to be arid. Also, with increasing developmental pressures, the demand for water is rising. Over the years, we have adopted a comprehensive management plan that has been aimed at the optimization of groundwater use through careful planning, management and regulation. These efforts have given us a unique insight into the water scarcity issues the Emirate is facing today. EAD presence at IWS will see subject experts lead facilitated workshops and join panel discussions to share the knowledge we have developed over time".

"IWS is a very important forum that we feel will help us address a key global issue - mitigating water scarcity for future generations. We are looking forward to playing an active role to showcase our efforts in this area and to discuss potential cooperation opportunities with our global peers to address this issue," Dr. Al Madfaei added.

Peter McConnell, Show Director for IWS, said that EAD's outstanding achievements in innovation and raising awareness about water sustainability will be reflected by their powerful participation at IWS.

"EAD has, for many years, taken the lead to address the urgent need to use water more efficiently, through their public education campaigns, their vital collaborations and their pioneering initiatives. Having the International Water Summit in its home city allows the world to see the remarkable work EAD is doing, and their vast knowledge of this arid region will be eagerly sought by countries with similar issues. We are delighted EAD has chosen to endorse IWS," said Mr McConnell.

About Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi

The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) was established in 1996 to preserve Abu Dhabi's natural heritage, protect our future, and raise awareness about environmental issues. EAD is Abu Dhabi's environmental regulator and advises the government on environmental policy. It works to create sustainable communities, and protect and conserve wildlife and natural resources. EAD also works to ensure integrated and sustainable water resources management, to ensure clean air and minimise climate change and its impacts. For more information, please visit www.ead.ae.

About International Water Summit 2013

In response to the Abu Dhabi leadership's compelling declaration that water is more important than oil in the United Arab Emirates, the 2013 International Water Summit from 15 - 17 January 2013 is a bold first step in this arid region to develop the strategic action plans and innovative solutions needed to safeguard this invaluable resource with as little environmental impact as possible.

The 2013 International Water Summit is a testament to the commitment taken by the UAE, Abu Dhabi and Masdar to embrace the inseparable relationship between water and energy. Like energy sustainability, water sustainability needs to be at the top of the global agenda. For more information about the International Water Summit, visit: www.iwsabudhabi.com.

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